Nov. 23, 2012
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Arin Ray performs on Wednesday's 'X Factor.' / Ray Mickshaw, Fox

by Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY

by Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY

Do you think Britney Spears, Demi Lovato and L.A. Reid got special holiday pay for working on Thanksgiving?

Since the X Factor originated in England, it's likely Simon Cowell didn't see any reason to put off airing a new, live show Thursday. There are a lot of acts to send packing before the Christmas holidays.

Onward!

But first, we must report that Khloe Kardashian Odom had her hair pulled back and up, and she wore a flattering black dress (much better than last night's body-hugging white dress).

First act to be sent packing, because he had the lowest number of votes: Arin Ray, 17, from Cincinnati. Said his mentor, Brit Brit: "I think you should take this as as learning experience. This isn't the last people are going to hear from you."

Before we found out who was joining him in exile, Cher Lloyd, a Simon Cowell protege from the U.K. version of X Factor, performed.

Then, Khloe and co-host Mario Lopez announced all but the bottom two who are advancing to next week:

The bottom two who had to sing for survival: Cece Frey (for the second time) and Beatrice Miller (who found herself singing for survival for the first time).

A confident Cece sang a soulful rendition of Kelly Clarkson's Because of You.

Beatrice Miller, the teen from Maplewood, N.J., brought her signature rasp to a version of White Flag. She started crying at the end.

Cece came out and gave Beatrice a big hug on stage.

Demi voted to send home Beatrice. Britney voted to send home Cece. L.A. Reid said, "This is a very, very tough call," but voted to send Beatrice home (she sobbed). Simon said he liked Beatrice from the beginning but "this is all getting too much for you." He voted to send her home. She sobbed more and Cece gave her a hug.

"Are you OK?" asked Khloe.

"No," said Beatrice, 13.

"This is just the beginning for you," Britney told her. "You're a true star."

"That was so heart-wrenching," said Khloe after it was over, as she and Mario unveiled the leaderboard for the Top 8: